Obituary for Jerald Vap

Jerry Vap

November 22, 1938 – September 16, 2020

Jerald “Jerry” L. Vap passed away on September 16, 2020 at home on his farm. He was 81 years old.

Jerry was born November 22, 1938, on the family farm, North East of Ponca City, near Kildare, to Raymond and Elizabeth (Horinek) Vap. Both of his parents were of Czech heritage and he enjoyed sharing some sayings in the Czech language with his children. He attended Foster school as a young boy and then went on to graduate from Ponca City High School in 1956 where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army receiving his basic training in El Paso and serving two years in the reserves. Jerry returned home and met the love of his life on a blind date, Charlene Godberson. They were married on January 5, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and were sweethearts for 57 years. Jerry was a faithful member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church his whole life. He was a Knights of Columbus member. He served in various capacities in the community including the Rural Water District where he was a charter member, Farmers Coop Association Board member and a Kildare Volunteer Fire Dept member.

He is survived by his wife Charlene, children, Darla Vap Wardlow and her husband, Wade, of Yukon, OK, Dale Vap and his wife, Kim, of Ponca City, Daryl Vap and his wife, Julie, of Ponca City, Dana Vap Pulley and her husband, Steve, of Newkirk, Chris Vap and his wife, Debi, of Ponca City; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Elizabeth Vap; brothers, Gaylen, Anthony and Jim Vap.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons, Kyle Wardlow, Clint Wardlow, Jerod Vap, Tanner Vap, Bryce Vap, Dylan Vap, Carson Vap, Landen Vap, Connor Pulley, Cody Vap and Corey Vap.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 24, 2020, at St Mary’s Catholic Church. Masks are required. Viewing will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Visitation, with the family present, will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at Trout Funeral Home and Crematory. Masks are highly recommended. Those unable to attend the Mass may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com, Click on the “live-stream” or tool bar icon on the top right corner after 9:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 415 S 7th St, Ponca City, OK 74601.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” – Lao Tzu. Jerry spent his days outside in the sunshine slowly growing his 5 children, crops and cattle. We’d say his life is one to proudly hang his hat on. We love & will miss you dad and grandpa.

Source: Trout Funeral Home